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Moving is a stressful process for many of us, but it can be made much easier by avoiding some of the most common mistakes. From forgetting to research moving companies to not packing carefully, there are a number of errors that can make the transition from one home to another a lot more difficult. Knowing what to look out for ahead of time can help you plan a successful and stress-free move. This guide will explain the most frequent and costly moving mistakes, and provide tips on how to avoid them. With the right preparation, you can make sure your move is as seamless as possible.
Forgetting To Research Moving Companies
When it comes to hiring a moving company, the old saying “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true. Not researching moving companies could mean you end up paying more than necessary and receiving an unsatisfactory service in return.
Before choosing a moving company, you should take the time to research different options to find the best price and quality for your needs. Ask for recommendations from friends and family to see if anyone has used a great moving company in the past.
Look into a Texas car shipping company to help transport an car(s) that may not be in use during the move. You can also read online reviews to see what other customers think and find out if the company is reliable based on past experiences.
If you are hiring movers for the first time, you should also consider what kind of insurance is included and whether it meets your needs. This can cover you in the case of theft or damage to items during the move, so it’s important to understand what is covered. Choosing a moving company based on price alone is not recommended, as you may end up with a poor quality service that could end up costing you more in the long run.
Not Packing Carefully
Poorly packed items can break or get damaged during a move, resulting in the need to replace them and costing you more money. The best way to prevent this is to pack your items properly. This means wrapping breakables in bubble wrap, placing heavier items at the bottom of boxes, and making sure items are packed correctly (for example, clothes should be folded, not rolled). If you’re worried you might forget to pack items properly, you could even make a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. It’s also important to label your boxes to make unpacking at your new home easier. You can do this either by writing the room your items should go in on the box or using colored tape to indicate the room (such as blue for the kitchen and red for the bedroom).
Not Budgeting For Moving Supplies
While some supplies are optional, others are essential if you want to move efficiently and without making a mess. Items such as moving blankets, tape, paper towels/rags, and large garbage bags can be used to clean up and protect your belongings while they are in transit. If your moving company provides boxes, you may not need to purchase as many as you might think. However, you should factor in the cost of supplies like tape, paper towels/rags, and any other cleaning equipment you may need. In addition, you may want to buy some other essential moving supplies, such as a dolly, a toolkit, and a car kit. While these items are not essential, they can make your move much smoother and easier.
Not Scheduling Your Move Properly
You should ideally begin planning your move at least 90 days before you want to move. This gives you enough time to find a moving company and supplies, and also means you won’t be rushed when the day comes. Scheduling your move with a company at least two to three months in advance is recommended. This will give you enough time to iron out any kinks and make any changes to your move if necessary. If you want to save money, you can also consider doing some of the work yourself. You could rent a moving truck and do the packing yourself, or even hire someone locally to help you move smaller items. If you are hiring a moving company to help you with your move, you should speak to them about scheduling your move as soon as possible. This will allow them time to plan their schedule and give you a set date.
Not Labeling Your Boxes
While this may seem like an obvious mistake, many people still don’t do it. Labeling your boxes with what items they contain and where it should be placed in your new home will make unpacking much easier. If you are packing items in plastic containers, you should also label those to make unpacking even easier. This will not only make the unpacking process easier for you, but also for anyone helping you move. You can either label your boxes before or after they are packed, but it is recommended that you do so before moving them. This will allow you to keep track of which items go where, reduce the risk of mistakes, and make unpacking easier at the other end of the move.
Not Getting Insurance For Your Move
While this isn’t an obvious mistake, many people still don’t get insurance for their move. This is often because they don’t realize it’s an option, or think it’s too expensive. However, getting insurance for your move is essential, as it can help you recover if you are affected by problems such as theft, damage to items, or if the moving company goes out of business. Most moving companies will offer insurance, but it’s important to read the terms carefully so you know what is covered. If you would prefer to arrange your own insurance, you can do so by contacting your insurance company. Make sure you do this at least 30 days before your move, so you have enough time to receive the policy.
Tips For Avoiding Common Moving Mistakes
When packing, consider whether items are breakable, heavy, or just plain cumbersome. Those are the things you’ll want to pack first.
- The light stuff can go in last.
- If you’re moving a long distance, don’t pack your car full of boxes. Make sure they’re light enough to carry!
- Before moving, make a list of everything you need to do, and don’t forget to pack your utility bills!
- If you’re moving a car, make sure you have enough gas to get where you’re going. Make sure you have enough money to cover your moving costs.
- Get plenty of rest the week before the move so you don’t get stressed out.
- Don’t forget to bathe!
- And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
Conclusion
These mistakes can be easily avoided by making sure you are prepared for your move and following the tips outlined above. Moving is a difficult process for many people, but it can be made much easier by avoiding these common mistakes.